Treatment, coverage & costs

Doctors / Dentists / Hospital treatment

Public healthcare is generally provided free of charge. In some cases, however, a standard fee may be payable.

Prescriptions

Part of the cost of medicines listed in the “Official List of Medicines Subsidised by the Health Services” is covered by the state. You will have to pay the rest upfront. The proportion varies between 10% and 85% of the price.

Pharmacies are usually open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturdays they are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lists of pharmacies providing 24-hour service are available at any pharmacy.

Ambulance

No information available.

Air ambulance

No information available.

Reimbursement

You cannot obtain reimbursement during your stay in Portugal.

If you have to pay for your care, contact your national health insurance to claim reimbursement once you return home.

Patient contribution

Healthcare under the Portuguese National Health Service (NHS) is usually free, though you may be required to pay a standard fee.

Standard fees are sometimes charged to avoid unnecessary use of public health services.

Children up to the age of 17 and pregnant women are exempt. Certain other exceptions are also made.

Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

These treatments must in principle be arranged beforehand between the insured person and the hospital/unit providing the treatment in order to ensure that the treatment is available during the insured person’s stay in Portugal.

A prescription or medical report confirming the chronic disease is required.

For further information:

Dialysis – Here is a list of providers that have agreements with the Portuguese National Health Service.